§ Mr. Bradleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, pursuant to the undertaking given to the House by the then Under-Secretary of State on 14 April 1980, Official Report, c. 986, that his Department would maintain close contact with the Leicestershire county council to monitor the development and prospects of the Leicestershire careers service, he is now satisfied that sufficient staff have been appointed for the satisfactory performance of statutory functions under the Employment and Training Act 1973; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has issued guidance to local authorities which says that it is for individual authorities to determine the staffing levels of their own careers services so as to promote the satisfactory performance of their statutory functions. As the then Under-Secretary of State forecast in his reply to the Adjournment debate on 14 April 1980, the Leicestershire careers service has been adversely affected by staffing cuts. I understand that the authority's careers service advisory sub-committee is to consider the position within a few weeks in the light of the views reported by the careers service inspectors who remain available to give any advice the authority may need.